Biochar telecommunication pole reduces 10% to 15% carbon emissions compared to traditional concrete poles

Sintok, Kedah, 9 December – EDOTCO Malaysia introduces Malaysia’s first biochar telecommunication pole to its suite of green pole solutions with its first use case at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). This breakthrough infrastructure demonstrates EDOTCO’s commitment to pioneering sustainable innovation and shaping a greener future for the nation’s telecommunications sector.

The Malaysia’s first biochar telecommunication pole was officially launched by Prof. Dr. Ram Al Jaffri Saad, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) of UUM. Also in attendance were representatives from Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and manufacturing partner, PMW Industries Sdn Bhd.

Delivering a 10% to 15% reduction in carbon emissions compared with traditional concrete poles, the biochar pole offers a new pathway for climate-conscious network deployment. As MNOs increasingly prioritise ESG-linked outcomes, this solution expands EDOTCO’s portfolio of environmentally responsible infrastructure, enabling customers to reduce their carbon footprint while strengthening network resilience. Its lighter yet stronger composition also enhances installation efficiency and reduces transport impact.

Datin Azzahraa Annuar, Director of Governance, Risk & Compliance at EDOTCO said, “This innovation reflects how sustainability, engineering and partnership can shape the future of our nation’s telecommunication infrastructure. By integrating biochar technology into our suite of offerings, we are enabling our customers to pursue greener rollouts, reduce carbon emissions and support Malaysia’s broader ESG ambitions.”

Prof. Madya Dr. Mohamed Amran Mohd Salleh, President of Biochar Malaysia Association added, “Malaysia has an abundance of biomass resources, and biochar offers a practical way to turn that into high-value, low-carbon solutions for multiple sectors. Pilots like this are important because they help build real performance data and demonstrate how biochar can complement existing construction practices. As an association, we encourage more collaboration between the private sector and academia to explore these applications, validate the outcomes and strengthen local expertise.”

Biochar is a porous material produced through the pyrolysis of organic waste such as agricultural residues, wood chips and other biomasses. Converting this waste into sustainable construction material creates a circular value chain while lowering greenhouse gas emission through both CO2 reduction and long-term carbon storage. Its integration into telecommunications infrastructure brings several advantages:

• Carbon Sequestration: Biochar pole captures and stores carbon within the concrete, effectively reducing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.


• Cement Replacement: Replacing 2% to 5% of cement with green material is able to reduce the carbon emissions associated with cement production.


• Environmental Impact: Biochar pole made from renewable resources as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement.


• Improved Durability: Biochar pole enhances the mechanical properties of concrete, including its strength and resistance to cracking.

This milestone is made possible through collaboration with PMW Industries Sdn Bhd, EDOTCO’s manufacturing partner for the development of the biochar-enhanced poles. Together, the partners aim to build a circular and sustainable value chain that shapes the future of Malaysia’s telecommunications infrastructure.

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About EDOTCO Group
Established in 2012, EDOTCO Group is the leading digital connectivity infrastructure services company in Asia, providing end-to-end integrated solutions in the tower services sector. Its mission is to help nations across Asia advance their connectivity infrastructure with leading-edge solutions and achieve equitable connectivity.

With a portfolio of over 47,000 towers across seven countries, the company is present in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka - fulfilling connectivity demands innovatively and sustainably to help its customers and partners accelerate sustainable growth. EDOTCO prioritises prudent portfolio expansion for organic and inorganic opportunities that carry the right scale, economics, and returns for its shareholders.

EDOTCO Group was named Asia Pacific Telecoms Tower Company of the Year for six consecutive years by Frost & Sullivan and was recognised as one of three ASEAN Unicorns based in Malaysia. For more information, visit www.edotcogroup.com